n. 1 an answer given in word or act; a reply. 2 a feeling, movement, change, etc., caused by a stimulus or influence. 3 (often in pl.) Eccl. any part of the liturgy said or sung in answer to the priest; a responsory. 4 Bridge a bid made in responding.
[ ME f. OF respons(e) or L responsum neut. past part. of respondere RESPOND ]